French designer Louis-Gabriel Nouchi has pushed the boundaries of sneaker design with the PUMA x LGN Mostro Mule, a bold reinterpretation of PUMA’s cult classic from 1999. First unveiled during Nouchi’s Spring Summer 2025 runway show in Paris, the mule takes a significant departure from its predecessor, introducing a backless silhouette that feels distinctly modern yet deeply rooted in the shoe’s iconic heritage.
SNEAKERS
The original PUMA Mostro earned its reputation as a street-style icon thanks to its sharp, angular design inspired by vintage track and surfing footwear. In this collaboration, Nouchi distills those same striking elements into a streamlined mule, giving the sneaker a minimalist, sculptural aesthetic. The single-material construction, crafted from rubberized material, underscores the shoe’s focus on both form and function. Available in two monochromatic shades—white and black—the colorways emphasize the shoe’s architectural design while maintaining versatility.
One of the standout features is the retention of the Mostro’s signature spikes, which add texture and personality to the otherwise sleek design. This nod to the original underscores Nouchi’s approach to honoring PUMA’s heritage while reimagining its future. The backless fit offers effortless wearability, positioning the mule as both a comfortable everyday sneaker and a statement design piece.
Nouchi describes the collaboration as a synthesis of PUMA’s essence: “I synthesized the essence of the iconic Mostro shoes into a radical mule design using a single material, transforming it into both a design object and a comfortable sneaker.” This vision aligns with the collection’s broader inspiration drawn from the strength and agility of PUMA’s namesake, the powerful big cat.
Fans of the Mostro will appreciate this homage to the original, while newcomers will find a fresh, contemporary take that redefines casual footwear. The mule’s debut on the Paris runway added a touch of haute couture to its street-style roots, signaling its versatility in both high-fashion and everyday contexts.
The Louis-Gabriel Nouchi PUMA Mostro is set to launch in two stages: exclusively through LGN on January 23, and then at select retailers worldwide on January 25. With its radical design and seamless blend of form and function, this collaboration cements itself as a must-have for sneaker enthusiasts and design aficionados alike.
Model: Mostro Mule
SKU: 392108-01 (White), 392108-02 (Black)
Price: $180 USD
Available At: LGN (January 23, 2025) and select retailers worldwide (January 25, 2025)
